Bart heads to the Gulf - Bart Simpson doll, Persian Gulf War, 1991-, Stuarts Department Stores Inc

Discount Store News, March 4, 1991

Bart Heads to the Gulf

FRANKLIN, Mass. -- A Bart Simpson doll bought at a Stuarts Department Store in Malden, Mass., has made it all the way to the White House--by way of Saudi Arabia.

The doll was serving as a mascot for one Air Force company stationed in the gulf. When Air Force Sargent Michael Bozek, who received the doll from his grandmother, presented the doll to Secretary of Defense Dick Chaney, Chaney promised to bring the camouflaged Bart back to President Bush.

After learning that Ruth Robinson purchased Bart at a Stuarts store, Joseph Ettore, president of the chain, sent a carton of 24 dolls, along with assorted candies and other items, to Saudi Arabia to serve as replacement good luck charms for the Air Force troop.

The local publicity generated from the doll's 1,200-mile trip is increasing sales of Bart Simpson dolls at the discounter's 32 stores, according to Ettore. The Bart Simpson doll originally sold for $8.99, but sales dropped after Christmas and Stuart's is now selling Bart for $4.50, Ettore said.

In addition to Bart, the full-line discounter has set up an Operation Desert Storm Outpost, which is selling out items like flags and patriotic T-shirts as well as buttons.

In addition, all Stuarts stores are giving away yellow ribbons. The success of that program at Stuarts as well as other discounters is creating somewhat of a shortage. "It's a challenge trying to keep with the yellow ribbon demand," Ettore said.

PHOTO : A shopper's gift to her grandson in the Gulf prompted Stuarts to ship additional Bart Simpson dolls and other goods to the troops.